I will say I've learned from experience why so many folks do latte art throwdowns. It is easier for the person off the street to judge something visually. You got contrast, symmetry,design. Easy.

Finding the right folks to judge an espresso is WAY more challenging especially in a city with a fledgling barista culture where I reside. We should rise to the challenge, educate our customers in Espresso-ese and let the dosing, tamping,pulling & steaming begin!

It's what's in the cup that counts and if it's beautiful to boot, you've got a cherry on top!

BTW, I loved the article! So, I live in the Cincinnati, Ohio (USA) region and I would love to go to an event like this but it is so hard to find this stuff. Maybe we should start a forum or something to show where these events are, and even have a way of registering for the event there. I also think taste is more important than the visual aspect of coffee, but espresso may be one of the most visually appalling drinks on the planet so why couldn’t you mix both aspects? Not to make things to difficult but you could have a “with” and “without” milk category. Both categories would be heavily judged on the taste aspect of the shot.

Cafe For Contemporary Art140 East Esplanade North Vancouver, BC (Canada)

20 November · 19:00 - 21:00

Can't we baristas just get together and share a few shots? Baristas from all around are invited to the cafe for contemporary art for a Spro-Down, there will be prizes, all-star baristiati, and tonnes of espresso.

Here's the deal.

BYO-Spro, bring a bag of espresso you love. Sign up, hang-out with baristas from all over the city (even province), wait your turn, then dial in your brew, and share a shot with some judges and others. Make it taste awesome, tell us about it. Give sips to the curious and... well hang out and enjoy.

The charge is 5$/person. with 1/2 going to prizes and another half going to Coffee Kids...

Should be fun.

Its organised by a gang of local baristas and hosted by the cafe for contemporary art.

Ha, I saw a few porta filters with splitters on them! I would think the first thing a barista would do in a competition of this sort would be to grab the naked group! Or at least pull a crescent wrench out of their pocked and get rid of the splitter. Splitsville Splitter!

Why choose? I for one feel there is a place for both, and that they can each create their own type of atmosphere, following, and culture. Or maybe they could even be combined - two categories within the same event. I don't think it's really fair to criticize the art showdown for not being technical or having enough substance. It's just a different flair on the same general interest.

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